Latest news with #EU-Saudi
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
KAPSARC and the European Commission discuss future cooperation for a secure, sustainable energy future
Ms. Ditte Juul-Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy of the European Commission gave a key note speech as part of her first official visit to the Kingdom. The workshop builds on previous dialogues organized by KAPSARC to build bridges around energy issues with the European Union in Brussels in 2024 and 2025, reinforcing a long-term commitment to real-world, actionable energy and climate partnerships between the two regions. Riyadh: KAPSARC and the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia co-organized a high-level workshop titled 'Bridging Policy and Practice: EU-KSA Cooperation for a Secure Energy Future' at KAPSARC. The workshop convened European and Saudi business leaders, senior officials, and experts to explore ways to strengthen EU-Saudi energy ties, with a focus on shared priorities such as energy security, supply chain resilience, and the energy transition. KAPSARC President Fahad Alajlan opened the discussions by highlighting the Center's mission and the significance of the EU-Saudi relationship in today's global context. 'KAPSARC's role is to build bridges between ideas, regions, and sectors' he said. 'That's why our work will always be data-driven, helping policymakers navigate increasingly complex global dynamics.' Alajlan also noted KAPSARC's growing engagement with European institutions, including recent workshops in Brussels, as part of a long-term commitment to international cooperation. H.E. Christophe Farnaud, EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, emphasized the strategic value of pragmatic partnerships, particularly in today's volatile energy environment. In her keynote address, Ditte Juul-Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy of the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) at the European Commission, described the EU-Saudi partnership as essential and timely: 'This partnership is a shared commitment to building a resilient, interconnected and sustainable energy future,' she said. 'The EU and Saudi Arabia bring complementary strengths that, when united, can help secure global energy stability.' A panel discussion featuring experts from KAPSARC, Électricité de France (EDF), and ACWA Power explored strategic priorities for enhancing EU-Saudi energy ties. Panelists explored collaborative opportunities in renewables, hydrogen, critical minerals, and new technologies, emphasizing how the EU and Saudi Arabia are well-positioned to complement each other in the energy transition.
Leaders
16-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
EU to Waive Visas for Saudi Citizens
Saudi citizens will soon enjoy visa-free travel to European Union (EU) countries within the Schengen area. This groundbreaking policy exempts Saudi citizens from pre-entry visa requirements, enabling seamless travel across 27 member states. Christophe Farnaud, EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, confirmed ongoing efforts to fully eliminate short-stay visa mandates. Ambassador Farnaud emphasized recent advancements in EU-Saudi travel relations. In April 2024, the European Commission introduced multi-entry visas for Saudis and GCC nationals, valid for short stays up to five years. 'These changes reflect Europe's commitment to deepening ties with Saudi Arabia,' he stated. The reforms aim to simplify travel while fostering cultural and strategic collaboration. Strengthening Tourism Ties Furthermore, Farnaud underscored Saudi Arabia's expanding role in global tourism and Europe's pivotal support for this vision. Enhanced tourism exchanges and efficient travel procedures, he noted, will boost mutual understanding and global connectivity. Saudi travelers can now visit Europe multiple times over five years with a single visa, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for business, leisure, and cultural dialogue. The EU's April 2024 ruling harmonized visa rules for GCC citizens, prioritizing Saudi Arabia as a key partner. This landmark decision eliminates repetitive visa applications, saving time and resources for travelers. Saudis can now explore Europe's diverse destinations effortlessly, reinforcing bilateral relations and people-to-people engagement. A Catalyst for Global Collaboration The visa exemption aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's goals of global integration and economic diversification as easier access to Europe will accelerate tourism growth, educational exchanges, and investment flows. Additionally, Farnaud reiterated Europe's enthusiasm for Saudi Arabia's transformative journey, citing shared aspirations for innovation and cross-cultural prosperity. This historic visa waiver marks a milestone in EU-Saudi relations, symbolizing trust and mutual respect. As Saudis embrace hassle-free European travel, both regions stand to benefit from strengthened partnerships and enriched cultural understanding. The world watches as two dynamic regions unite to shape a future of openness and collaboration. Short link : Post Views: 103
